Manor house mentioned in the Doomsday book and ‘once owned by King Harold II’s father’ goes on sale for £2.75million with a swimming pool, tennis court and 18 acres of gardens

• Old Riffhams, in Little Baddow, Essex, is referred to in the 1086 manuscript as the ‘fief of Richeham’ 
• It is thought to have once been owned by Earl Godwin, the father of the 11th century monarch King Harold II
• It boasts seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, an entrance hall, a kitchen, a dining room and a drawing room

A Grade II listed manor house which is mentioned in the Domesday Book has emerged for sale for £2.75million.

Old Riffhams, in Little Baddow, Essex, is referred to in the 1086 manuscript as the ‘fief of Richeham’.

It is thought to have once been owned by Earl Godwin, the father of the 11th century monarch King Harold II.

The present red brick building is believed to date from the the mid-16th century, with alterations made over the following centuries.

It boasts seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, an entrance hall, a kitchen, a dining room and a drawing room with an attractive open fireplace.

There are several timber outbuildings, a swimming pool (pictured) and tennis court, as well as woodland, two ponds and an ornamental rockery

In addition, there is a sitting room, a morning room, a pantry, a wine cellar and a conservatory.

The three floored house is approached by a gravel drive which winds its way through its 18 acres of gardens and grounds.

There are several timber outbuildings, a swimming pool and tennis court, as well as woodland, two ponds and an ornamental rockery.

In addition, there is a sitting room, a morning room, a pantry, a wine cellar and a conservatory, which is shown here

The home is thought to have once been owned by Earl Godwin, the father of the 11th century monarch King Harold II

Records show that ‘Reefhames’ was owned in 1422 by politician Thomas Coggeshall, who sold it to Sir Thomas Charlton, speaker in the House of Commons.

Its owners can be traced from almost 600 years to the present day.

For the past 30 years, the property was inhabited by an elderly couple, who have now passed away.

It is being sold by their estate with agent Strutt & Parker.

For the past 30 years, the property was inhabited by an elderly couple, who have now passed away

Mark Davies, senior director of the Chelmsford branch of Strutt & Parker, said: ‘This Grade II listed building is of architectural and historic importance, as Old Riffhams is referred to in The Domesday book as the ‘fief of Richeham’ and was probably owned by Earl Godwin, the father of King Harold.

‘The house is now finished in a mellow red brick with elegant dutch gables and tall chimneys.

‘Internally Old Riffhams combines beautifully proportioned reception rooms with comfortable bedroom accommodation.

The present red brick building nestled in 18 sprawling acres of grounds and gardens is believed to date from the the mid 16th century

Records show that ‘Reefhames’ was owned in 1422 by politician Thomas Coggeshall, who sold it to Sir Thomas Charlton, speaker in the House of Commons

Mark Davies, senior director of the Chelmsford branch of Strutt & Parker, said: ‘This Grade II listed building is of architectural and historic importance’

‘Of particular note is the first floor drawing room centred on an attractive open fireplace and offering excellent views over the gardens and grounds.

‘The gardens are studded with a selection of mature specimen trees together with a productive orchard.

‘There is an area of woodland with mixed deciduous and evergreen trees and two spring fed ponds with an ornamental rockery, all providing a haven for wildlife.

Old Riffhams, in Little Baddow, Essex, is referred to in the 1086 manuscript as the ‘fief of Richeham’

The present red brick building is believed to date from the the mid-16th century, with alterations made over the following centuries

‘It is a fantastic setting yet London is accessible from it as Chelmsford train station is only 15 minutes drive away.’

Harold II was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England in January 1066, albeit his reign was short-lived.

He was killed that October fighting Norman invaders led by William Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.

Harold II was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England in January 1066, albeit his reign was short-lived

He was killed that October fighting Norman invaders led by William Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings

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